2026 South Dakota Police Study Details Watertown Police Staffing, Salaries, Budget and Equipment

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The South Dakota Office of the Attorney General’s Division of Criminal Investigation Statistical Analysis Center has released the 2026 Police Study, detailing comprehensive statewide management data for police departments.

The report, compiled by Criminal Statistical Analyst Kallie Hall, is based on a survey sent to all 66 non-tribal police departments across the state between April and June 2026. With 43 departments returning the survey, the data reflects a 65% response rate and provides critical benchmarks for evaluating resources, expenditures, and staffing across South Dakota.

Statewide Trends: Budgets, Salaries, and Retention

The 2026 study highlights key economic and operational baselines for South Dakota’s municipal police forces. The median department budget statewide is $1,003,543.50. Compensation metrics show a median Chief of Police salary of $93,220, while the median officer salary stands at $63,250.

Staffing and retention remain focal points for state law enforcement. The survey found:

·        The largest category of sworn personnel is patrol officers, with 669 currently employed.

·        The most common age demographic for sworn officers is 30-34 years old, comprising 163 males and 30 females.

·        The number one reason for staff turnover in 2025 was officers being hired by another agency.

·        Education levels for sworn officers statewide show 250 hold a Bachelor’s Degree, 226 have a High School diploma, and 202 hold an Associate’s Degree.

·        In terms of preparedness, 58% of agencies have specialized training (such as SWAT, DARE, Drug Interdiction, and Riot/Civil Disobedience), and 72% conduct active shooter trainings for schools, churches, and other community organizations.

Watertown Police Department: By the Numbers

The survey provides a detailed look at the Watertown Police Department, which serves a population of 23,736. Operating with a budget of $5,577,700, the department receives 1.00% of its funding from grants. Watertown offers its officers full life and disability insurance, alongside partial health, dental, and vision coverage.

Sworn Staffing and Compensation: 

Watertown employs a total of 42 full-time sworn officers, with no part-time sworn staff. Leadership and specialized roles feature varied compensation packages:

·        The Chief of Police earns a salary of $142,584.

·        The department employs three Captains with salaries ranging from $105,774 to $129,625.

·        Seven Sergeants are on staff, earning $84,379.

·        Four Detectives make $71,718, while the 20 Patrol Officers earn $65,323.

·        Four Animal Control officers make $69,243, and three School Resource Officers earn $66,601.

Demographically, Watertown’s sworn force includes 36 males and 6 females. The highest concentration of officers falls in the 25-29 and 35-39 age brackets, each containing nine males. Educationally, the force is well-credentialed, with 21 officers holding an Associate’s Degree, 12 holding a Bachelor’s Degree, and nine holding a High School diploma. Officer turnover in 2025 was relatively low, with one resignation, one retirement, and one dismissal, primarily due to leaving the law enforcement profession.

Civilian Support Staff: 

Civilian employees play a crucial role in Watertown’s operations. The department reported 22 civilian staff members, comprising 7 males and 15 females. Key civilian roles include:

·        A 911 Communications Manager earning $91,457.00, and an Assistant 911 Communications Manager making $70,574.00.

·        Four Lead Communications Officers earning $57,922.00, and seven Communications Officers making $52,971.00.

·        Additional support comes from a Code Enforcement Officer ($57,512.00), an Animal Control Officer ($66,060.00), and a Records Clerk ($52,748.00).

Civilian turnover saw six resignations in 2025, with departing staff uniformly citing leaving law enforcement as the main reason. Education among civilian staff includes 12 individuals with a High School diploma, six with an Associate’s Degree, and four with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Equipment, Vehicles, and Canines

Watertown’s arsenal and vehicle fleet reflect a highly equipped department.

·        Firearms: The department issues 54 9mm handguns, 34 0.223 caliber rifles, two 0.308 caliber rifles, two 9mm rifles, and two 0.40 caliber rifles. Every patrol car is equipped with both a rifle and a shotgun.

·        Non-Lethal & Protective Gear: Officers utilize pepper spray and tasers, with a written policy guiding the use of electrically conductive devices. The department maintains 14 sets of SWAT gear, 43 batons, 43 sets of PPE, two sets of riot gear, and ballistic shields. Additionally, they deploy 38 body-worn cameras and 45 sets of body armor, both governed by written policies.

·        Overdose Response: Watertown owns 64 doses of Narcan. Officers require one-time qualification to carry it, though the department lacks a written Narcan policy.

·        Vehicles: The fleet relies heavily on 13 Patrol SUVs, supplemented by one Tactical Vehicle and six bicycles.

·        K-9 Unit: The department currently owns one K-9 and plans to purchase another within the next two years.

Training and Department Policies: 

Watertown requires 87 hours of officer training annually and utilizes a 25-week Police Training Officer (PTO) program. Officers requested further training in crime scene investigation, supervision, and de-escalation. Firearm qualification is mandated twice a year.

The department actively engages the community through active shooter training provided to schools, churches, and local government agencies. Specialized training within the department includes SWAT and Drug Interdiction programs.

Operationally, Watertown enforces several strict guidelines:

·        Police pursuits follow restricted criteria based on speed and the nature of the offense.

·        The department has clear written policies addressing the use of deadly force and harassment.

·        Violations of protection and stalking incidents are met with a Mandatory Arrest Policy.

By publishing these extensive metrics, the state provides both transparency and a practical framework for agencies like Watertown to evaluate their standing, anticipate staffing trends, and justify future management decisions.